FGM

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is also sometimes referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision. There are no health benefits to FGM and it is recognised internationally as a human rights violation.

Female genital mutilation is classified into four major types:

Type 1 – Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).

Type 2 – Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are “the lips” that surround the vagina).

Type 3 – Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.

the need for later surgery to open the lower vagina for sexual intercourse and childbirth

Psychological and mental health problems

Case histories and personal accounts taken from women indicate that FGM is an extremely traumatic experience for girls and women, which stays with them for the rest of their lives.

Young women receiving psychological counselling in the UK report feelings of betrayal by parents, as well as regret and anger.

The legal situation

FGM is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to arrange for a child to be taken abroad for FGM. If caught, offenders face a large fine and a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

What to do if you have any concerns:

In Suffolk, children/young people suspected to be at risk of, or suspected to have undergone FGM should be referred using the same pathway as used for Child Sexual Abuse through the MASH, and a referral should be made to Customer First in the same way as any other case of suspected child abuse, by calling 0808 800 4005.

You will not need consent from the family/carer to make this referral. You would usually be open and honest with them about your concerns and why you were making the referral, but where children/young people may be placed at increased risk if the family are aware of concerns, the referral should be made covertly. In FGM cases there may be coercion / control involved, which could have serious repercussions for the girls or women in the family.

All girls or women who have undergone FGM should be offered counselling to address how things will be different for them afterwards. Boyfriends, partners and husbands should also be offered counselling as appropriate. There are several NHS clinics in London and other large UK cities, offering specialist health services including corrective surgery. A list of FGM health services can be found on NHS Choices website.

Support for you

FGM is a dangerous practice and is against the law. If you or someone you know is in immediate risk of harm you can call the emergency services by dialling 999. The police and health services recognise FGM and can protect you from harm

ChildLineCall us free on 0800 1111 (it won’t show up on a phone bill). The most important thing to know is that you can get help to stay safe – you don’t have to cope on your own. You can talk to our counsellors. They understand that it can be very difficult to talk about what is happening and will let you take your time. If you are worried about FGM happening to you or if you think you might be taken abroad for it to be done, you can get a FGM protection order to stop this. This is a legal document that can protect you. ChildLine can help you get this from a family court or you could call the police on 999.